Traveling While Black: Edmonds, WA
We are back with another edition of Traveling While Black! As you know, we're always on the lookout for new places to explore and share with you. This time, our journey took us back to Edmonds, Washington, a quaint city nestled 15 miles north of Seattle. While we've passed through Edmonds before, this visit was dedicated to truly uncovering what this smaller, yet charming city has to offer.
The Overview:
The ferry terminal in Edmonds, WA
Edmonds, with a population of less than 43,000, ranks as the 30th largest city in Washington. It's a place that balances small-town charm with the scenic beauty of its Puget Sound waterfront—a city that piqued our interest during a previous ferry ride to Port Angeles.
The Drive Grade: Seattle to Edmonds
The journey to Edmonds from Seattle is short and sweet, usually taking about 30 minutes. Here’s how it scored on our scale:
Quality of Views: 1/2 points – The views on the way to Edmonds are nice, but don't quite capture the quintessential Washington scenery until you get into the city of Edmonds.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points – The drive offers all the necessary amenities, gas stations, restaurants, etc. making it easy to pull off the highway at any time.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points – It's a straightforward route up highway I-5 North, which makes this a very easy drive. However, there will be traffic depending on what time you leave.
Roadside Attractions: 1/2 points – There are a few attractions worth noting, like the University of Washington and Northgate Mall. Though not very many that would have you pull off the highway, especially since the drive isn’t very long.
Quality Parking Options: 2/2 points – Edmonds has a lot of free parking options, which made Anthony very happy!
Overall Drive Grade for Edmonds, WA: 8/10
Level of Fun Rating: Edmonds, WA
Our first true exploration of Edmonds was filled with anticipation. We ventured into the city with a few recommendations from friends and we were ready to put our unique TWB rating scale to the test.
Quality of Activities: 1/2 points - Edmonds offers a variety of activities, especially for those who love the water. Its vibrant downtown features shops and restaurants and we enjoyed visiting the Edmonds Historical Museum housed in a 1910 Carnegie Library building. However, compared to other cities like Everett, Edmonds’ activities seemed a bit limited.
Demographic Applicability: 1/2 points - The city appears to cater more to an older demographic and families with young children, potentially missing options for fun for younger singles.
Quality of Restaurants and Special Events: 2 points each: 4/4 points - Our culinary experiences in Edmonds were exceptional, with highlights including Ono Poke and Salt and Iron. While no events were happening during our visit, Edmonds is known for hosting several throughout the year.
Affordability: 0/2 points - Edmonds is very expensive, with living costs estimated at 120% of the national average. This aspect significantly impacts its overall affordability.
Level of Fun Rating for Edmonds, WA: 6/10
Comfortability for Black People: Edmonds, WA
Approaching a new city always brings questions about the experience for Black travelers. In Edmonds, we sought insights on living the Black experience from locals, Alicia Edwards and Jacque Julian, Executive Director of Communities for Coalition. This helped shape our understanding of the city’s social dynamics.
Here’s how the city stacked up against of comfortability for Black People Rating:
Current Black Population Numbers: 0/2 – No points here because Edmonds has a low Black population of only 2%.
Amount of Black People Seen: 2/2 – Despite a low percentage of Black residents, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of Black individuals we encountered while visiting the city.
Prevalence of Black History: 0/2 points – We found no significant artifacts of Black history in Edmonds, which was disappointing considering the city of Edmonds was named after a Senator who fought for Black civil rights during Reconstruction.
Visibility of Inclusion: 2/2 points – We saw a lot of pride flags and Black Lives Matter signs throughout the city of Edmonds, which indicated a community striving towards inclusivity.
Personal Comfort: 2/2 points – Our personal experiences in Edmonds were positive, we had welcoming interactions and friendly conversations with the people we ran into.
Comfortability for Black People Rating for Edmonds, WA: 6/10
We’d like to note: Edmonds shows promise in becoming more inclusive, though there are still areas that need attention. Our overall experience was positive, but we acknowledge the need for ongoing progress in social inclusion.
Final Thoughts on Edmonds:
Our visit to Edmonds offered a mix of history, great food, and a glimpse into the community’s efforts towards inclusivity. While it may not have all the attractions of larger cities, its charm and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment are evident. We leave Edmonds with a sense of hope for its future, appreciating both its beauty and the potential for growth in its social fabric.